The Waiter and The Chef

Chapter 9: First day

Jonathan lounged on the leather couch in his office, laptop balanced on his knees. The latest episode of "Sunset Boulevard Dreams" played on the screen, captivating his attention. Cassandra Davis, his favorite actress, delivered an impassioned monologue about betrayal and lost love.

As the scene reached its climax, Malik burst through the door without knocking. "Hey man, whatcha watching?"

Jonathan paused the video. "Just catching up on my soaps. Want to join?"

Malik flopped down next to him. "Sure, why not? I could use a break from spreadsheets."

They watched in silence for a few minutes before Jonathan spoke. "What do you think of Cassandra Davis?"

Malik tilted his head, thinking. "She's pretty good. Bit overdramatic sometimes, but I guess that's soap operas for you. Why, you got a crush or something?"

"No, just curious about your opinion. She's my favorite on the show."

"Well, she's definitely talented. And easy on the eyes," Malik said with a grin.

"Yeah, she's got real talent. Did you catch her in that indie film last year? 'Midnight in Montana' or something like that?"

Malik scratched his chin. "Don't think I did. Any good?"

"It was... different," Jonathan said. "Not your typical Hollywood fare. She played this small-town waitress with big dreams. Kinda cliché, I know, but she brought something special to it."

"Huh, might have to check that out," Malik mused. "What else has she been in?"

Jonathan sat up straighter, warming to the topic. "Well, there was that action flick a few years back. 'Rogue Agent,' I think it was called. She played a spy."

"Oh yeah, I remember that one! She kicked ass in that movie."

"Right? Totally different from her soap opera persona," Jonathan said. "But my favorite has to be 'The Last Lighthouse.' It was this small, artsy film about a woman tending a remote lighthouse. Hardly any dialogue, but man, her performance was intense."

"Sounds kinda boring, to be honest."

"It's not for everyone, I'll give you that. But the cinematography was gorgeous, and Davis really showed her range."

"Fair enough," Malik conceded. "What about her worst movie? There's gotta be at least one stinker in there."

Jonathan groaned. "Oh God, don't get me started on 'Vampire Sorority.' It was this low-budget horror comedy thing she did right out of drama school. Absolutely terrible."

Malik burst out laughing. "Vampire Sorority? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. It's so bad it's almost good. Almost. We should watch it sometime, just for laughs."

"Count me in," Malik said, still chuckling. "But for now, let's get back to your soap. I want to see what all the fuss is about with this Cassandra Davis."

Jonathan unpaused the video, and they settled back into the couch. The dramatic music swelled as Cassandra's character confronted her cheating husband, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Listen," Malik started. "I didn't just come here to watch your show. Your dad sent me."

"My dad? What does he want now?"

"There's some big fundraiser he's producing. He wants you to come to the party."

"Of course he does," Jonathan muttered. "What's it for this time?"

"Some movie premiere, I think. He didn't give me all the details."

"Did he at least tell you the name of the movie?"